GOVT 327 Discussion Board 4
For this Discussion, interact in a free-flowing discussion on the types and functions
of local governments. In other words, identify the 5 types of local governments and
then compare and contrast county and municipal governments. You will make an
argument for which type of government you think is best considering structure,
finances, and representation. You will also consider power, leadership, and their
relationship with the state’s authority.
Thread: 250-300 words; 1 source
2 Replies: 100 words; 1 source
The textbook classifies “local government into five types: counties, municipalities, towns
and townships, special districts, and school districts” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 255).
Counties, municipalities, towns and townships are known as general-purpose governments and
“perform a wide range of governmental functions” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 257). School
districts and special districts are known as single-purpose districts because they’re purpose is to
perform one single function (Bowman & Kearney, 2018).
States established counties “to function as their administrative appendages. In other
words, counties were expected to manage activities of statewide concern at the local level”
(Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 260). Counties are responsible for “property tax assessment and
collection, law enforcement, elections, record keeping (land transactions, births, and deaths), and
road maintenance” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 260). Municipalities are known as cities. They
are “typically operating under a charter from state government” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p.
261). They differ from counties in the aspect of what they were each created to do. However,
they are similar because they are “general-purpose units of local government” (Bowman &
Kearney, 2018, p. 265). Municipalities have more “decision-making authority and discretion”
unlike counties (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 265). They also provide more public services than
counties such as “Police and fire services, public works, and parks and recreation… publicly
maintained cemeteries, city owned and operated housing” and more (Bowman & Kearney, 2018,
p. 265).
I believe that municipalities have the better structure over counties. Taking into
consideration representation, their relationship with the state government, finances, and authority
they seem to have more pros to them than a county. They are big enough to challenge the state’s
authority if need be, but small enough for the public to be adequately represented.
Reference
Bowman, A. & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government. 10th ed. Cengage Learning.
https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/58ee96e0-c357-4d8f-8d15-
d22ad7449391/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
REPLY 1
Hello Stephen, I really enjoyed reading your discussion board post for this week’s assignment. I
appreciate your in depth explanation about the types and functions of local governments. We
agree that municipalities govern better than a county would. They are financially able to provide
more public services than a county which is very helpful when it comes to keeping the public
happy. Additionally, they overall have better “decision-making authority and discretion” unlike
counties (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 265). This is essential if anything is to get done in timely
fashion.
Reference
Bowman, A. & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government. 10th ed. Cengage Learning.
https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/58ee96e0-c357-4d8f-8d15-
d22ad7449391/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
REPLY 2
Hello Savannah, I really enjoyed reading your discussion board post for this week’s assignment.
You did an excellent job providing a very thorough and in-depth explanation of the types and
functions of local government. We agree that municipalities are superior to cities in almost every
aspect. Municipalities are funded better which allows them to do more for the community
through nonprofits and providing more public services. Additionally, they overall have better
“decision-making authority and discretion” unlike counties (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 265).
This is essential if anything is to get done in timely fashion.
Reference
Bowman, A. & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government. 10th ed. Cengage Learning.
https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/58ee96e0-c357-4d8f-8d15-
d22ad7449391/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
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